EDUCATION

PROPER DISPLAY OF OLD GLORY – Victory Christian Academy sophomore Clay Earp is one of the students that will be sharing the F.L.A.G. curriculum with classmates under the direction of teacher Hailey Brown. The F.L.A.G. program teaches students the proper protocols for folding, raising and lowering the American flag. Messenger photo by Richard Greene

Victory Christian Academy sophomore Clay Earp walks into the office carrying a perfectly folded American flag over his heart.

Earp, an Eagle Scout, points out it’s proper protocol for carrying the flag. It’s one of the many rules regarding Old Glory that are now being taught at VCA in the Fly Lower And Gather (F.L.A.G.) program.

“It’s a good program. I’m excited about it,” Earp said. “It’s real important, and not everyone knows the proper procedures. I’ve done stuff like it my whole life, and there was some of it that I didn’t even know.”

VCA English teacher Hailey Brown is leading the effort with the F.L.A.G. program. At a school whose mascot is the Patriots, Brown points out the program is a perfect fit.

“Our school has always been about patriotism,” Brown said. “The F.L.A.G. program teaches students about patriotism and how to properly raise, lower and fold the flag.”

Multiple veterans spoke to the students about what the flag represents – freedom – at the start of the school year. Part of the message resonated with Brown.

“Before they sat down in a chair, the kids had to know they didn’t earn the right to sit in that chair,” Brown said. “Veterans served our country so we could be able to sit in our chairs at school.”

After the veterans spoke, Brown said the school reached out to the F.L.A.G. program. The president of the group came to VCA and gave a presentation.

“Now, we’re getting our school on board and learning everything about patriotism and adding the curriculum,” Brown said.

Earp and the sophomore class started the curriculum and will be the facilitators in teaching the rest of the student body. After spring break, the effort will focus on teaching all students the proper protocols – how to fold the flag into a triangle and procedures for raising and lowering it – before attending Camp Grady Spruce in the summer.

Brown said these are lessons that students can take with them through life and add to their appreciation for the country and veterans.

“People fought for our freedom,” Brown said. “Through this, we hope they see the importance of having patriotism.”

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